The city of Mashhad, known as the religious capital of Iran, is one of the country’s most important tourist hubs. The Shrine of Imam Reza (AS), serving as a symbol and the city’s most significant tourist attraction, draws millions of pilgrims from Iran and around the world each year.
The Imam Reza Shrine is one of Iran’s most famous and magnificent religious buildings. Over the years, this building has come to shine like a jewel in Razavi Khorasan, showcasing unique Iranian-Islamic architecture and the incorporation of distinct elements.
One of the best things to do in Mashhad is to visit this remarkable religious site with impressive architecture. Stay with me as I introduce you to this incredible place.
The architecture of the Imam Reza Shrine (AS)
The architecture of the Imam Reza Shrine (AS) embodies an endeavor to infuse elegance and Islamic artistry into its details and decorations, enhancing the shrine’s spiritual ambiance. It stands as a masterful showcase encompassing various arts such as plastering, tile work, mosaic, and mirror work. This intricate architectural feat was the culmination of years of collaborative effort rather than the work of a single individual.
The history of renovations of Imam Reza shrine
Regrettably, Imam Reza’s shrine has faced destruction owing to several factors, including military campaigns and natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, necessitating consistent reconstruction efforts. The precise count of renovations remains unknown, yet rulers across diverse historical eras—such as the Samanid, Ghaznavid, Qajar, Pahlavi, and Safavid periods—have taken steps to restore this sacred place.
Throughout history, the Safavids dedicated more effort than any other period to the upkeep of the shrine. For instance, during this era, Shah Tahmasab I generously donated to the Shrine of Imam Reza. This monarch also commissioned the restoration and gilding of the dome, along with gilding the shrine’s garland. During the Ghaznavid period, Mahmoud Ghaznavi’s son undertook measures to restore the shrine, and in addition to restoring the Balasar Mosque, further construction took place within the shrine. Similarly, during periods such as the Seljuk, Dilam, Khwarazmshah, Afshariya, and Timurid eras, renovations and additions were made to Imam Reza’s shrine.
Sights and parts of Imam Reza (AS) shrine
Among the various sections of the shrine are 21 porticoes, 4 porches, 2 drinking fountains and 9 courtyards. Below, i’ll introduce some of these parts along with their most spectacular features.
Gravestones
Since Imam Reza (AS) was interred in the shrine, three types of stones have been used for his burial place. The initial tombstone, measuring 40 cm in length and 30 cm in width, was crafted from marble. Engraved in Arabic and Kufic script, it bore the remembrance of God. The second tombstone, made of white limestone, measures 60 x 40 cm. The third tombstone, installed on the ground floor of the shrine in 1379 during the fifth renovation, weighs 3,600 kg and was sourced from a Yazd mine. This green-colored stone features engravings detailing aspects of Imam Reza’s (AS) life.
Minarets
Presently, the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza boasts a total of twelve minarets. It’s fascinating to note that in earlier times, only two minarets stood within the shrine, positioned at considerable distances from each other. Their locations were as follows: one near the Golden Dome, to the south of Revolution Square, and the other above the Abbasid porch, situated north of the courtyard. These two primary and ancient minarets, adorned with gold and distinctive decorations, are part of the shrine’s individual minarets, each with a rich history. Dating back to the 6th century, all the minarets within Imam Reza’s holy shrine were constructed in pairs. Hence, this historical context reveals that the origins of these two old and magnificent minarets trace back to the early 6th century.
mausoleum
The blessed body of Imam Reza (AS) rests in the Haruniya mausoleum. To be more precise, his mausoleum is situated atop the mausoleum of Harun al-Rashid.
Naqarakhane
Naqarakhane is one of the porches within courtyards revolution, situated in its eastern section. Similar to other porches in this courtyard, the Naqarakhane porch of the Shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) features two inscriptions.
These inscriptions on the Naqarakhane porch were calligraphed by Mohammad Hossein Shahid of Mashhad. They include the verse of Noor in the front part and Surah Muzamal in the margin.
Revolution courtyard
The Revolution courtyard, also known as the Antique courtyard, stands as the oldest hall within Imam Reza’s (AS) shrine. Constructed during the Timurid era, this courtyard is situated on the northern side of holly shrine.
The Revolution courtyard comprises four remarkable verandas: the rare gold porch, positioned in the southern part above the steel window; the adorned Abbasid porch in the north of the courtyard; the Naqarakhane porch located to the east; and the clock porch situated in the west of the courtyard.
Drinking fountain
Yet another striking feature within the shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) is a rare and beautiful drinking fountain known as the small golden drinking fountain. The brewery’s foundation stone was laid during the era of Nader Shah Afshar. However, it gained its renown as the Ismail Gold Brewery due to the gilding carried out by Ismail Khan, Fath Ali Shah Qajar.
Freedom courtyard
The Freedom courtyard within Imam Reza’s (a.s.) shrine is relatively new compared to the Revolution Freedom, standing at approximately 200 years old. Hence, the Freedom courtyard is also referred to as the New courtyard.
Razavi courtyard
The vast expanse of the Razavi courtyard, spanning an impressive 117,000 square meters, solidifies its position as the largest courtyard within Imam Reza’s (a.s.) shrine. This remarkable space has the capacity to accommodate congregational prayers, hosting up to 25,000 pilgrims, and ranks among the world’s largest courtyards in holy places.
Rawaq Dar al-Ajaba
if you seek the closest area to the revered tomb of Imam Reza (a.s.) within the shrine, it would be “Rawaq Dar al-Ajaba.”
Central library
The central library, situated in the portico of Imam Khomeini, operates under the supervision of the Organization of Libraries, Museums, and the Astan Quds Razavi Document Center.
The inception of this library traces back to the time of Imam Reza’s (a.s.) martyrdom when devotees of the Imam initiated the establishment of a significant cultural repository. Their donations of Quranic books and pamphlets laid the foundation for this valuable collection.
At present, the library houses over 4 million books, some of which are internationally recognized. Additionally, the Astan Quds Razavi Central Library oversees more than 50 affiliated libraries located outside the precincts of the Imam Reza (AS) shrine, scattered across various regions of the country.
Carpet Museum
The Imam Reza Shrine Carpet Museum stands as one of the most exquisite and captivating museums within Astan Quds. Established in 1390 AH, this museum showcases unique Iranian carpets across three floors.
Now, the question arises: What specific works will we encounter on each floor?
- On the first floor, you’ll find native motifs from the central and eastern regions of Iran, presenting an eye-catching collection that includes curtain carpets.
- The second floor showcases the artistry of people from the west and northwest of Iran. Here, you’ll encounter pieces that narrate diverse climates and ways of life. The display of carpets from nomads and tribes across the country adds further allure to this floor.
- On the final floor, the carpets take on a more historical significance, offering insights into the carpet weaving during the Safavid era.
The Dar al-Shefa (clinic)
The Dar al-Shefa at the Imam Reza (AS) shrine is a well-equipped clinic situated near the court, providing reliable services in times of need. This medical and treatment center encompasses various departments, catering to emergency care, CPR, dentistry, laboratory services, vision and audiometry, otolaryngology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and more.
Guest house (restaurant)
The guest house of Imam Reza (AS) was founded during the era of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, aiming to offer hospitality to pilgrims. This guest house, known by various previous names, holds fame among certain visitors and locals.
Goharshad Mosque
The Goharshad Mosque is one of the most visited mosques in Iran, renowned for various reasons:
- Its proximity to the shrine of Imam Reza (AS).
- The mosque’s historical significance: Goharshad Mosque was commissioned by Goharshad Begum, the wife of Shahrukh Mirza Timuri, during the Timurid era.
- Its magnificent architecture, intricate tiling, and unique design and style.
The facts of Imam Reza’s shrine
There are wonders and secrets about the shrine of Imam Reza that will pique your interest. I’ll highlight some of them in this section:
- After Imam Reza was martyred by Mamun in a village called Noghan, his body was interred near the burial site of Harun al-Rashid, Mamun’s father.
- The first tombstone of Imam Reza dates back to the 6th century AH.
- The author of the history of Astan Quds Razavi recounts that during the Mongol attack on Mashhad in 618 AH, while the city suffered considerable damage, the shrine of Imam Reza remained unharmed; only some items from the shrine were looted.
- One of the most architecturally unique mosques, known as the Goharshad Mosque, was constructed within the Imam Reza shrine during the Timurid era, thanks to the endeavors of Shahrukh Timuri’s wife.
- In the lunar year 1009 AH, Shah Abbas Safavi traveled from Isfahan to Mashhad on foot. During this journey, he ordered the shrine to be covered with copper and gold-plated bricks.
- In 1330 AH, the Russians bombarded the dome of Imam Reza’s shrine with cannons, causing it to be pierced. Subsequently, the dome underwent repairs, and the visible effects of these repairs and reconstruction can still be observed on the dome.
- The first shrine of Imam Reza was crafted from wood, gold, and silver, while the second shrine was constructed using steel. The third shrine of Imam Reza’s shrine was adorned with gold and jewels, and the fourth shrine is similarly fashioned from gold and silver.
- More than 20 million people visit this shrine every year.
- The Mirza Jafar seminary, which was built during the Safavid era and is one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture, is located in this shrine.
Imam Reza Shrine Photos
The following photos show the different parts of the shrine of Imam Reza (AS):
Finally
The Imam Reza Shrine, spanning an area of more than one million square meters, is Mashhad’s largest and most visited attraction—an essential destination to explore. If you have any questions about this pilgrimage site, feel free to ask in the comments section, and I’ll respond promptly.